Welcome to Yale Aviation

The origins of Yale Aviation trace back to 1916, when a group of visionary Yale undergraduates established what would become the full enterprise of American military aviation. From such ambitious beginnings, the club has continued to the present day, furthering its mission of flight training and aviation education. Although Yale Aviation is now an independent organization with no formal ties to Yale University, its membership base is primarily comprised of members of the Yale community and their families.

Yale Aviation proudly owns two Piper Aircraft airplanes ideal for flight training and recreational use by members with private pilot certificates. With these planes, based at the General Aviation Terminal of Tweed New Haven Airport, Yale Aviation is able to offer basic flight training leading to a Private Pilot certificate, as well as more advanced training leading to an Instrument rating and Commercial certificate. Flight training is conducted by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)-certified instructors who operate under the steady supervision of the club’s Chief Pilot, Colonel Charles A. Skelton, USMCR (Retired), an FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot and a Master Certified Flight Instructor.

Besides the privileges of training and renting the airplanes, membership in Yale Aviation brings with it ample opportunities to participate in a wide variety of regularly scheduled events. From breakfast fly-ins to academic lectures of aeronautical interest to field trips to summer cocktail parties, Yale Aviation offers a range of fun and engaging social activities that bring together pilots of all levels.

To learn more about Yale Aviation or to schedule an introductory flight,
please contact Col. Charles Skelton at 203.640.3580.

Meet our Chief Pilot Col. Charles Skelton

A nine-time Master and SAFE member, “Charlie”, as he is affectionately known, recently renewed his Master CFII accreditation. He first earned this national professional accreditation in 1998, and he is one of only eight Connecticut aviation educators who have earned this prestigious “Master” title. Further, he is one of only 17 worldwide to earn the credential nine times. In the words of former FAA Administrator Marion Blakey, “The Master Instructor accreditation singles out the best that the right seat has to offer.” Additionally, he is a recent recipient of the FAA’s Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award and serves as a FAASTeam representative in the FAA’s Windsor Locks FSDO area. More about Charlie here.